The cross that caused trouble for Stardew Valley looks a little different – here the colors are swapped.
Only a few pixels are needed to violate the Geneva Convention. The developer of Stardew Valley also noticed this, ironing out a mistake that had existed for two years in 2018. What is all this about? A small, red cross.
The cross that causes problems
It has been written for 160 years that a red cross on a white background is the absolute symbol of protection. In times of war, medics, hospitals and anything else that bears this symbol should not be targets.
The Red Cross should not only protect, but also be protected: Nobody should use the symbol carelesslyespecially not for commercial purposes. Logos with a red cross are taboo, but the cross is also not allowed to appear within a game.
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After Stardew Valley, the developer is working on Haunted Chocolatier
That’s why medipacks, hospitals, etc. in video games are never equipped with a red cross, but often with a green cross. Stardew Valley didn’t pay close enough attention to two points back then.
Over Harvey’s Clinic denounced that cross, now it is turquoise. Besides, has Nurse Maru She had a red cross on her white work clothes, but now it is colored gray. Instead, a red H has always been visible on the main character’s life bar. Endurance, on the other hand, is symbolized with a green cross.
Stardew Valley is not the only game that has fallen into this trap: titles like Halo, Subnautica and Rimworld have already violated the Geneva Convention due to the red cross. Prison Architect’s developers labeled themselves war criminals after realizing their mistake. In the article linked above, we spoke to a lawyer about exactly what this looks like legally.
196 countries have now agreed to the Geneva Convention. Incidentally, Article 7 is also one of the oldest provisions of the agreement.
